Tacoma, WA

Today we went to the Meeker Days in Puyallup, WA. Besides our family enjoying the food, music, and different stands we also took a little time out to go in and see Meeker Mansion. I loved the mansion and had always wanted to see it. While there I learned all about it, and the things that came before. I enjoyed every minute of being inside it, and even enjoyed the little bit of ghost stories that were shared too.

On a trip to England on a hop selling trip Eliza Meeker was lucky enough to be presented to Queen Victoria. That was when Eliza Meeker became infatuated with some of the finer things in life. Ezra was a simple man who enjoyed is log cabin life, but he loved Eliza so much that he agrees that Eliza could have such a house if it was what she wished for.

The 17 room Italianate Victorian Mansion was just the house that Eliza Jane Meeker built and retained title to. Ezra Meeker was 60 years old when he had the home built for his wife. The local architects in Tacoma, Farrell & Darmer were the ones that designed the house. It took them three years to build the home, and was finally completed in 1890. In the following 20 years the Meekers lived in the home happily till 1909 when Eliza Jane Meeker passed away. Shortly after her death Ezra Meeker left the mansion.

Ezra Meeker was a remarkable man in many areas besides the fact that he owned the Mansion. He was a pioneer and leading citizen of Puyallup. He was the first mayor, on time hope king, and author. In 1906, Ezra became the self appointed champion of the Oregon Trail. This came from the fact that in 1906, at the age of 76 he left taking only two oxen, a wagon, a driver, and a dog and headed out from his front yard to Washington D.C. taking the route through New York City. He reason for such a trip was to re mark the Oregon Trail, which had become destroyed by civilization. Ezra believed that this trip would be the only time he would make that trip, but Ezra lived to be 98 years old. In that time he made the trip by oxen once more, then by automobile in 1915, and the last trip in 1924 by airplane. Today you can still see traces of the Oregon Trail and that is entirely due to Ezra Meeker, and his dream to preserve the Oregon Trail.

The Meeker Mansion is listed as a site on the National Register of Historic Sites. The objective of the Historical Society is to return the home to the condition it was in 1891-the year after it was finished. This is complicated by the fact that there are no known records of the house aside from three letters Mr. Meeker wrote describing it.

Admission:

Adults……….$4.00
Seniors & Students………$3.00
Children……….$2.00

Hours:

March thru mid-December
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There are many things to do here to from Weddings to Teas. The ladies of the house will serve tea in costume, in the English Bone China Teacup collection of the Meeker Mansion. The tea includes a tour of the Mansion. This is appropriate for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, anniversaries and family get-togethers. Two-week advanced notice is required. (Subject to prior scheduling for 8 or more). The cost is $12.00 per person. Historic setting, manicured lawns, timeless elegance… The Mansion has it all. Hand painted ceilings, wood carved fireplaces in a priceless setting will greet your guests. Imagine the bygone era of hoop skirts, morning coats and croquet. The Mansion can accommodate groups up to 50 for your wedding. For a truly memorable experience, there is nothing like The Meeker Mansion.

For more information on special events, hours, or anything you can call: (253) 848-1770, or visit their site at www.meekermansion.org.

If you enjoy learning a little about history, and where things started then I would say that Meeker Mansion is an outstanding place to do just that. So take a day and step back in time.